No Shame In My Name

In the 100th episode of the No Shame In My Name podcast, we hear from British-Nigerian poet Theresa Lola, as she offers meditative reflections on the process of writing her second collection ‘Ceremony for the Nameless’ – a layered exploration of the life and stories behind names. Listen as she first offers a peek into the context of her own middle name ‘Theresa’ – and then her other names, showing...

After an almost three year hiatus, our host Juliana brings a short reflection on the genesis of the No Shame In My Name podcast — now platform.  A note from Juliana:  Thank you to all the wonderful family, friends, mentors, creatives, guests and listeners who have helped to shape this platform into a capsule of beautiful stories, memories, discoveries and more.  —--- Unravel more name and origin-s...

In the opening chapter of Sheela’s book – What’s In A Name?, she writes, ‘our names reveal a multitude of stories, reveal feelings, states of consciousness and lost histories that embody who we really are and where we come from’. Listen as she exposes the deeply intimate process of writing a book about her own hybrid name – and that of her close friends.  Themes explored: Hybrid name in 60’s Brita...

From an early age, Bryan was exposed to a side of Africa seldom spoken of in mainstream media. In 2016, after a trip to his home-country Kenya with close friends, he returned with an idea. To expose the sounds and creativity that were pulsating from Africa. Listen as he shares the community-fuelled origin story of ‘The Ubunifu Space’, as well as giving us an insight into his Luo name and culture. ...

Ndukwe is from a place called Abiriba, in the eastern part of Nigeria. He grew up on a large and varied diet of stories and words which has since translated to a varied career in advertising, poetry and politics. Listen as he breaks down the story behind his name, revealing the depth of his Igbo identity.  Themes explored: Abiriba in Abia Storytelling in Nigeria The Voice Of The People  Igbo Diale...

In 2014, Bísí was crowned the winner of Miss Nigeria 2014 UK. It follows that her full Yoruba name is full of uncanny symbolism. ‘The crown has given birth to more’. Listen as she reveals her name-story, and tells of her curiosity with documentaries, African history and skincare.   Themes explored: The Crown Has Given Birth To More   All things – @AllThingsAfrica The genesis of SELF:I:E  This curr...

Confidence has been a key hallmark of Zainab’s life story so far. By way of her Yoruba name – Ashabi, listen as she beautifully shares the multiple streams of her self-expression journey. Themes explored: Ashabi’s journey  Confidence club  Multiple streams of self-esteem Expression through movement —--- Zainab’s Instagram: @ashabisjourney —--- Unravel more name and origin-stories here: https://www...

The meaning of Clayton’s name – ‘bearer of clay’ – alludes to setting the foundations of a building. In this episode, listen as he unearths the layers of stories behind his name and shares his journey of building business, building networks and building a successful podcast.    Themes explored: The aspiration of names  New markets, new names  Business world The Cashflow Show Podcast —--- Listen to...

Meet Naureen. She's one of the co-founders of NameShouts – a digital company on a mission to make pronouncing names easier. Listen as Naureen guides us through her name-story, reflecting on her love for languages and the country where she grew up.  Themes explored: Growing up in Bangladesh  The value of name pronunciation  The building of NameShouts  Finding common ground in different lands —--- N...

Hasan’s name-story is layered – covering nuances of family, tradition and language.  Listen as our guest host Nobandile delightfully probes Hasan about his name, making interesting discoveries.    Themes explored: The evolution of the Arabic language Favourite names Theory: When people embody their names  Nobandile:  #NSIMN episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1wGFmX5MKsZVCdcY4FahsW   —--- *I...

Maddie Wright, also known as Maame is the protagonist in Jessica Geoge’s debut novel – a story all about the balancing act of adulting, whilst caring for her father who is suffering from Parkinson’s disease. In this episode, listen as Jessica George discloses the process of forming this deep heartfelt tale that grapples with love, loss & everything in between.    Themes explored:   ‘Maame’ as moth...

Tireni’s full name translates to ‘He belongs to you, Lord’ in Yoruba. Listen as he unveils a gentle fascination towards naming traditions, as well as a personal intriguing fact about his succession to kingship.  Themes explored: Naming ceremonies Stepping to the throne  Receptive bilingualism — *Interested in sharing your own name-story?* Drop us an email – noshameinmynamepod@gmail.com.  Follow us...

Born in Italy, and raised between Tuscany and London by Nigerian-Igbo parents, Kingsley is well acquainted with navigating new spaces. Listen as he translates the language of being set apart - in name, art and life.    Themes explored: Art as a vehicle of discovery Keeping up with Italian  Bringing honour to my family name Kingsley Nebechi  Instagram: @kingsleynebechi Get tickets to Kingsley’s ‘Od...

2022 is almost over, and what a year it’s been. In this episode,  host Juliana – gives us a snapshot of the #NSIMN year, full of intriguing guests who have generously shared their name-stories and more.  A special thanks to all the wonderful guests throughout the year.  And also a special shout-out to our BTS contributors and supporters, especially Jackie, Nobandile, Greg, Soapboxx studios, Fran P...

In the final episode of 2022, Adrian – host & founder of The Sound Of Accra podcast – summarises the meaning of his names, covering the natural switching that occurs as he travels between different circles in Ghana and the UK.    Themes explored: The Sounds Of Accra Podcast: Entrepreneurship & Creativity  Spanner in the works: A Third Ghanaian name  Living up to the destiny of your name Adrian Dan...

Peju – a poet and educator, loves her full name ‘Adepeju’. In the Yoruba language, it means ‘The crown is complete’ – reflecting the circumstances of her upbringing surrounded by love, and also alluding to her royal heritage as a descendant of the Ooni of Ifẹ̀ – Oba Ademiluyi Ajagun. Listen as she shares her name-story, speaking on the deep value and intuition of names.    Themes explored: ‘We Are...

Alicia holds the values of family and community-building in high esteem. This is expressed through her endeavours – personally and professionally. Listen as she shares her name-story, giving an insight into the coded nature of names and the stories of character that they might tell.    Themes explored: Uncle Foodie and other pet names Back in the day: Tag names from the playground The value of men...

As a writer & poet, Yomi knows all too well the weight of passing on stories. Listen as he draws us into the story of his own name, exploring how it has travelled through the generations.  Themes explored: The making of Manorism  Knowing your history via the elders Proud to be Naija Yomi Sode:   Website: https://yomisode.com/   To preorder Manorism, click here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Manorism-Yo...

Ugochi’s name has a powerful Igbo meaning, that summons up a figurative reminder of God’s faithfulness and purpose for her life, a wider symbolism about the nation of Nigeria, and a well of anecdotes full of wisdom. Listen as she shares her name-story with an engaging conviction.   Themes explored: The beauty of the Igbo language and Igbo names The Nigerian Civil War  How names bring dignity and c...

Emeka was born with an innate creative intuition. It’s expressed not only in his career as an industrial designer, but also in the way he acknowledges the power of names. In this episode, listen as he confidently expresses a steady contentment for his Igbo name.    Themes explored: Respecting people by acknowledging their names Education and correction is key The creativity and imagination of pare...

Anniwaa’s name – specific to a region in Kumasi, translates to ‘eyes of the world’. It is a name befitting to her animated, imaginative and inquisitive disposition. In this episode, listen as she paints a picture of her name-story, with vivid anecdotes.    Topics discussed: The continuation of names in family tradition Pronouncing names authentically How names inform characters worlds in acting  ...

Astrid’s names have often elicited responses of curiosity. In this episode, listen as she shares her name-story, appreciating in detail – the surprise, homage and honour that names can bring.  Topics discussed: Names as a symbol of honour  Changing names via deed poll  How names can spark an internal exploration about identity Astrid:  Instagram:@astrid_mbx   It’s A Continent:  Twitter: @itsaconti...

When Ken moved from Nigeria to England at a young age, his name symbolised assimilation into a new environment. As an adult growing connected to his African identity, he tells us how embracing his Nigerian Igbo name has brought him closer to home. Listen as he shares his name-story. Topics discussed: How names can deepen your connection to your parents  African names and their meaning Ezeamaka:  I...

As we welcome in a new #NSIMN season, we hear from Samuel who shares the meaning and story behind his Igbo name.  Topics discussed: Names representing different stages of life Introducing oneself differently The impact of names on a person Samuel:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samueligwe96/?originalSubdomain=uk   *Interested in sharing your own name-story?* Drop us an email – noshameinmyn...

The No Shame In My Name platform exists to celebrate and document the stories behind names. In celebration of International Podcast Day, we take a brief glimpse back at some of the name-stories that have been shared to date.    To find out how you can share your name-story, send us an email: noshameinmynamepod@gmail.com.     Follow us on socials:  https://www.instagram.com/noshameinmynamepod/   ht...